The Genesis Convention Center once stood as a symbol of ambition and pride for downtown Gary. When it opened in 1981, officials were hopeful it would rejuvenate the city’s economy and draw live entertainment, conventions, and events to Gary’s heart.
Michelle Williams participated in the All In Gary Citywide Cleanup on May 13, 2022, picking up litter outside the Genesis Convention Center and nearby Fusion sculpture. Yet, this promise of economic revitalization was short-lived. The large structure became a financial burden, draining city resources instead of generating revenue. As costs mounted, Mayor Eddie Melton declared in April that the 45-year-old building would be demolished. “I made this decision,” Melton emphasized. “I own it, no other entity, no other person. But that site we’re going to make ready for the future.” The demolition is now imminent, affecting not only the center but also the nearby 40-foot statue known as ‘The Fusion.’
The shuttered Gary Genesis Center at Broadway and 5th Avenue in downtown Gary, Feb. 5, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
Commissioned for the city’s centennial in 2006, ‘The Fusion’ isn’t facing demolition, but its future location is uncertain. Gary’s redevelopment director, Chris Harris, noted the statue might be relocated “to maximize the development potential of this block.” The city has not yet chosen a developer for the site.
Created by Chicago artist Omri Amrany, ‘The Fusion’ consists of steel, bronze, and glass. It was funded by a partnership between U.S. Steel and the city, costing $650,000. U.S. Steel provided the 75,000-pound steel ladle central to the piece. Then-Mayor Scott King aimed for the public artwork to spark economic revival. Amrany, also known for sculpting the Michael Jordan statue at the United Center and Harry Caray’s statue outside Wrigley Field, intended the work to embody Gary’s cultural unity through its diverse ethnic groups. The statue showcases three 9-foot-tall workers in protective masks pouring molten steel from a ladle. “They’re standing next to hot steel,” Amrany explained. “If they weren’t covered, they’d die. But also, because they’re covered, you don’t know if they’re black, white, Hispanic or what.” Flanking the workers are 50 cast glass flames and granite butterflies symbolizing global cultures.
McKenya Dilworth-Smith, director of the Gary Historical Society and chairwoman of the Gary Arts Council, advocates for community input on ‘The Fusion’s’ relocation. “Artwork traditionally reflects the city’s core identity,” she said. “If relocated, perhaps the Gary Land Building or Midtown would be suitable.”
Throughout its history, ‘The Fusion’ experienced challenges. In 2007, a piece of granite fell and required repairs, returning in 2008. More pieces fell in 2013, remaining surrounded by yellow tape for months before repairs. It bore witness to the Genesis Center’s decline. Both directors at the Genesis Center confessed to embezzlement in 2017 and 2018. Deborah Black and Victoria Wilson pleaded guilty, repaying $16,000 and $12,000, respectively. Despite these issues, the center welcomed few events. It hosted significant concerts and pageants but permanently closed in 2020, with its last major event being the 2019 funeral of former mayor Richard G. Hatcher.
Vandals began intruding after the closure, prompting the city to install a $9,000 security camera system last year.
Carole Carlson reports for the Post-Tribune.
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